Shenzhen - Entering the People's Republic of China

 


Hong Kong and Macau are part of the People's Republic of China now, but they still enjoy a special status and de facto are independent states with their own governments, passports, currency, etc. Leaving Hong Kong you have to go through immigration just like entering a different country. Shenzhen was my first stop - it's a brand new city created a few decades ago as a special economic zone so everything is modern and there aren't any historic parts. It's a quite boring place with not many attractions, unless you consider shopping malls and theme parks so. Nevertheless, it was interesting to see it, it's worth staying for a day or two.

Arriving with the high speed train at Shenzhen North Railway Station.







Foreign debit and credit cards are not accepted in China, except at the ATMs where you can withdraw Chinese Yuan. China is a mainly cashless society with their own apps, but luckily you can pay with cash at many places and even buy metro tickets.




The hostel where I stayed for a few nights in Shenzhen North.







Food is fairly priced at around CNY 40 (GBP 4). Self service is what I liked the most as you can chose whatever you want and then pay according to weight.




Glimpses of Shenzhen North.
































Glimpses of Shenzhen centre. 





















The Ping An Finance Center is the main landmark of Shenzhen, offering a great view of the city and surroundings. 























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